Theological Commentary: Click Here
Discipleship Focus: King
- King: This is the pinnacle of the Kingdom Triangle. When we look towards God’s position in the universe, we acknowledge that He is an omnipotent king. Authority comes from Him. Power comes through His authority. He is looking for representatives for His kingdom.
Today we
meet Ahaz, king of the Jews. Today Ahaz
seems to embrace Assyria. He seems to
welcome their presence. Of course, he
also is on record as sacrificing his own son in Canaanite worship of the Ba’als. So not really a great chapter with respect to
spiritual leadership.
I find
this to be an interesting chapter in lieu of yesterday’s chapter. Yesterday I nailed Pekah for fighting against
Assyria. Today I nail Ahaz for seemingly
embracing Assyria. But there is a very important
difference. God brought Assyria against
Israel and Pekah fought against God’s will.
God didn’t bring Assyria against Judah yet Ahaz embraces them. In both cases we have the kings acting contrary
to God’s will even though their actions are polar opposites of one another.
So what
can we take from these back to back stories?
Is this a case of damned if I do and damned if I don’t? Is this a case of being unable to please God
because embracing Assyria is wrong while fighting against Assyria is likewise wrong?
No. Actually it is the opposite. What both kings do is cease to be humble
before God. They act out of their own
impulse and desire. Neither pauses to
humble themselves before their true King: God.
That is the lesson for today. We
need to remember that God is king. He
knows what is best for each of our lives.
We each need to stop, humble ourselves before God, and seek His will.
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